European Casino Association to Host the Slot Floor Excellence Awards at ICE Barcelona

The European Casino Association (ECA), representing the interests of 700 casinos across 29 countries, has announced that it will use the prestigious platform of ICE Barcelona to host the first-ever ECA Slot Floor Excellence Awards 2026.

Following the successful presentation of the inaugural “Slot Team of the Year Award” during the European Dealer Championship held in Bregenz, Austria—and the overwhelming positive feedback received—the ECA is expanding its recognition program. The award went to the Casino de Monte-Carlo slot team, acknowledged for their outstanding professionalism and team spirit.

These awards aim to recognize the hospitality, professionalism, and teamwork that define the casino industry, celebrating both emerging and established talent.

Organized in partnership with Clarion Gaming, the ceremony will take place on Day Two of ICE Barcelona, January 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM on the Enterprise Stage at Fira Barcelona Gran Via.

The award categories include:

Outstanding Slot Team of the Year: Recognizing a team that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration, customer service, initiative, and measurable success in slot floor operations.
Slot Floor Employee of the Year: Honoring a frontline or operational employee whose commitment, leadership, and positivity make them a role model for peers and a key driver of guest satisfaction.
Slot Floor Rising Star of the Year: Rewarding an early-career professional with up to three years of experience, whose enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and contributions set an inspiring standard for future slot floor leaders.

Entries will be judged by an independent panel comprising ECA representatives and leading global slot manufacturers, under the supervision of ECA Honorary President Ron Goudsmit. Finalists will be announced in December, ahead of the live ceremony at ICE Barcelona.

Further information on award criteria and submission guidelines will be available on the ECA website by the end of October.

Announcing the initiative, ECA CEO Erwin van Lambaart stated:

“Excellence in slot operations depends above all on the human qualities of the individuals and teams working on the slot floors of casinos. Their professionalism, technical expertise, and world-class hospitality are the cornerstones of the European casino experience. This is a people-driven industry, and these awards are a powerful recognition of the vital contribution slot floor staff make to a casino’s overall success. I am delighted that the ECA Slot Floor Excellence Awards will be presented at ICE Barcelona alongside our partner Clarion Gaming—the perfect stage to showcase our shared commitment to excellence.”

Margaret Dunn, ICE Portfolio Director, added:

“ICE has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with the European Casino Association, whose members have greatly contributed to the growth of what has become the world’s leading gaming industry event. The ECA Slot Floor Excellence Awards perfectly reflect our values, and it’s an honor to host them.”

The ECA represents land-based casinos and their online operations across Europe, promoting best practices and supporting the continued growth and development of the sector.

More information: 👉 https://www.europeancasinoassociation.org/the-association